Just in time for the early heat comes the 9th annual West Coast Brew Fest!
This Sat., May 17, 1 to 5 p.m., Miller Park, Sacramento
There will be 60 microbreweries represented, including local Beermanns Beerwerks, Hoppy Brewing Company, Lodi Beer Company, and River City Brewing Company. You'll also get to try Alaskan Brewing Company and Woodchuck Cider (from Vermont), for more far-flung tastes.

The commercial craft competition was held already, and some of the winners included River City for Light Lager and Sacramento Brewing for Hefeweizen.

There's apparently a new 5-ounce plastic pilsner tasting glass this year and the promise of "No more running out of beer so there's more for everyone!" I heard last year was a bit dry. I hope they're well stocked this year since it's supposed to be SO HOT. Also look for local bands and food vendors, including G-Dubb's BBQ and Dave's Dogs.

Tickets $27 online and $30 day of; limited to 3000 attendees only. $5 for designated drivers and those 16 to 20 years old (poor kids). Get them online here or at local beer halls like Hoppy, Brew it Up!, and Sac Brewing.